Overview

The Technical Writing programme at Carnegie Mellon University provides students with a sophisticated blend of communication expertise and technical proficiency. This degree is specifically designed for those who wish to bridge the gap between complex scientific information and the needs of diverse stakeholders.

As the only Bachelor of Science offered by the Department of English, this major integrates traditional writing instruction with essential scientific foundations. Students engage with a curriculum that includes computer science, mathematics, and statistics to ensure they can navigate technical environments with confidence.

The course focuses on developing professional proficiency across various genres, including reports, instructions, and digital proposals.

Why Technical Writing at Carnegie Mellon University?

The programme is distinguished by its location within the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offering a multidisciplinary approach. It is an ideal fit for students with dual interests in writing and STEM, providing the communication skills expected of modern managers.

Students benefit from specialised tracks, allowing them to concentrate on either science and medical communication or technical communication. This flexibility enables learners to tailor their education to specific career goals while utilising the university's world-class facilities and research resources.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 67020 per year
National fee: USD 67020 per year
Local fee: USD 67020 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum combines writing theory with technical foundations. Modules may include:

Style
Calculus
Statistics
Computer Programming
Document Design
User Experience Methods
Rhetorical Theory
Science and Medical Communication
Technical Communication

Careers with Technical Writing

Graduates are highly sought after for their ability to translate complex data into plain language. The skills acquired during the programme prepare students for diverse roles in software companies, instructional design firms, and healthcare organisations.

Career opportunities extend to engineering firms, federal government positions, and insurance providers. Alumni often find success as technical writers, user experience researchers, and communication specialists within various global industries and scientific disciplines.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Communicating in the Global Marketplace

Environmental Rhetoric

Intertextuality

Rhetorical Invention

Leadership, Dialogue, and Change

User Experience Methods for Documents

Literary Journalism Workshop

Corpus Rhetorical Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-05-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

360 alternative credits

Carnegie Mellon courses are measured in units rather than credits or credit hours

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Pittsburgh, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies General Studies Literature View 1012 other Bachelors in Literature in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

102

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Common Application

$75 application fee*

Official high school transcript (please review our Academic Requirements)**

All required standardized testing official score reports, which includes the TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language

Secondary School Counselor Evaluation

Teacher Recommendation

Common Application essay

Carnegie Mellon Common Application Writing Supplement, which includes three short answer questions

All fine arts applicants to the Schools of Drama and Music are required to arrange required pre-screen, audition or portfolio review.

All fine art applications to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design are required to submit required portfolio and creative materials.

Home schooled applicants should submit an academic portfolio/transcript consistent with their state guidelines and a list of all textbooks used.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year
Out-of-State

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

67020 USD / year

≈ 67020 USD / year

Living costs

Pittsburgh

United States

1148 - 1944 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Technical Writing.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Pittsburgh

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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